Monthly Archives: June 2012

Another stunning new creation fresh from the workshop of Action Costumes presented by pioneering artisan’s Sebastian’s Columbo and Molchasky. The pictures above represent more than just the most screen-accurate replica of the Superman costume to date – they chronicle a neverending pursuit of perfection.

Though Action have been producing the finest-quality Superhero apparel for some years, their dedication to narrowing the distinction between replica and real has been tireless. Through continued support from the fanbase (contributing vital research) and the appointment of SuperFan Columbo as artistic director, this current version boasts specs taken from nothing less than a genuine costume (exhibited last year at the WB 75th anniversary exhibition in the Mostra de Valencia) where measurements and notes were taken to ensure a level of detail never before attempted (among them seam placement, logo width/shape, stitching and cape pleats) and replicated in perfectly colour-matched fabrics. In a market flooded with replica’s of varying quality (some even claiming to be screenused) one should rest assured that the Bronze Edition is the next best thing to the real thing…

As a footnote, SUPERMANIA is pleased to report one of these outstanding replicas will soon be adorning my Ultimate 1:1 Superman display with updates and pictures of the finished project to follow…

The Propstore Of London has struck again with another fine piece of cinematic history, this time from the opening scene of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut where Lois Lane seeks to prove Superman’s identity by way of a doodle. The above is one of the few ‘clean’ versions of this prop as Margot Kidder would be required to draw her Clark Kent over Superman’s picture with marker take after take (as shown in the contact sheet supplied!). Its a little known fact that the Daily Planet newspaper mockups were headlines & pics assembled around real news stories of the time/gibberish and that only the covers (and inserts when required) were produced wrapped around the London Evening Standard for filler. Due to the obvious fragility of these pieces they are steadily becoming more scarce. I had the opportunity to purchase one of the above years ago (at a fraction of the price its commanding now) but because I didn’t recognise it from any of the films I passed – Imagine the head-slapping moment when the Donner Cut finally emerged and the prop gets the most amount of screen time in the series…

In refreshing total contrast to the post below and proudly presented by Action Costumes comes this incredible 1:1 scale bust of Reeve’s Superman. A collaboration between Sebastian’s Columbo and Molchasky, this outstanding piece is only the first development of what is intended to be a much more ambitious project, eventually culminating in a 1:1 fully costumed figure.

Thanks in great part to Seb’s manipulation/reworking of one of Stuart Freeborn’s lifecasts, the headsculpt (with prosthetic eyes and individually applied lashes) is the most accurate rendition of the late actor to date. Lovingly finished with the attention to detail only a dedicated fan could possibly apply, the bust is presented in costume on a simple black stand bearing an engraved silver plaque stating ‘The Man Of Steel 78-87’.

For more details about this piece and the ongoing project, go to the Action Costumes website or view their facebook page – tell them SUPERMANIA sent you…

A limited edition release to coincide with DC Comics 75th anniversary, the Christopher Reeve as Superman bust represented a new direction for collectables division DC Direct by going retro. Indeed, the sculpture pictured above is only the second-ever officially licensed collectable from Superman: The Movie bearing the likeness of Reeve, (the 1/6 statue sculpted by Karen Palinko being the first) the line continuing to spawn similar tributes to Tim Burton’s Batman.

While the piece is nicely rendered by Adam Beane (bringing to mind a thinner Reeve in his earliest Fortress scenes) on a crystal base featuring the \S/ logo, its let down horribly by the paint-job (done allegedly by hand) and the sheer lack of attention to detail. While I admit not fully comprehending the purpose of display busts anyway (possibly a glass half empty issue!) this could have been a great, fun item but in honesty I’m a bigger fan of the box and purchased it only for completest sake.

Beane’s talents seem to have been way under-utilized here and one could make a convincing case that the 1/6 statue would have benefited more from his take on the celluloid Man Of Steel provided the finish was of equal standard. As is, IMHO its a chintzy companion piece to said statue and should only be of interest to die-hard fans. Having said that, a donation to theChristopher & Dana Reeve foundation is made with its every purchase and there can be no better recommendation than that…

Presenting the final set of unpublished photographs taken by ‘ParkStreetParrot’ of the cast & crew on location during the shooting of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace. Beside his starring duties, Christopher Reeve took story credit (along with Lawrence Konner & Mark Rosenthal) and also second unit direction. From the top, Reeve having fun/practicing his golf swing, Gene Hackman & Jon Cryer rehearsing their escape alongside the camera car and Reeve awaiting his call…